By Tunde Ojudun
Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has reiterated his call for state governments to prohibit the use of wooden boats for commercial water transport, citing their role in the country’s recurring waterway tragedies.
This renewed appeal follows a series of devastating boat accidents that have claimed numerous lives. Expressing deep sympathy for the victims and their families, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to tackle the root causes of these preventable incidents.
“These tragedies are heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Oyetola said. “We must act decisively to protect lives on our waterways.”
Key Concerns and Recommendations:
– Unsafe Wooden Boats: The Minister highlighted that many wooden boats are structurally weak, poorly maintained, and prone to capsizing—especially when overloaded or exposed to harsh weather.
– Modern Alternatives: He advocated for a transition to fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats, which are more stable, durable, and equipped with safety features.
– Federal Support: The Ministry has distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine communities in 2025 as part of its safety initiatives.
– Personal Responsibility: Passengers were urged to avoid night travel, wear life jackets, and refuse to board overloaded or unfit vessels.
– Call to States: Oyetola urged state governments to invest in modern boats and enforce safety regulations, complementing federal efforts to improve water transport safety.
He stressed that ensuring safety on Nigeria’s waterways requires collaborative governance and political will at all levels.
“Water transport is vital to our blue economy,” he noted. “But it must be safe, regulated, and sustainable. Together, we can end these avoidable tragedies.”